Zambia's President Levy Mwanawasa has suspended the head of the country's anti-drug unit for alleged abuse of office.
A presidential spokesman said Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) head Ryan Chitoba had been suspended to allow for a smooth investigation.
Mr Chitoba allegedly misappropriated funds recovered from criminals. He has not commented on the claims.
He is the latest senior official in Zambia to face charges of corruption.
A statement by Mr Mwanawasa's aide, John Musukuma, quoted the president in a letter to Mr Chitoba.
"To facilitate the completion of these allegations, or should it be decided to charge you in a court of law, I am suspending you from exercising your functions... with immediate effect," it said.
President Mwanawasa, who took office in 2002, has made the fight against corruption a key policy of his government.
Opposition parties, however, accuse him of not being firm enough on corruption in his own administration.
^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~27~RS~)